Compromise animal cruelty bill passes committee

SB297, the revamped animal cruelty bill constructed by a coalition of Senate and House leadership and Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., passed painlessly through its Senate committee hearing Monday.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Allen Christensen, R-North Ogden, is the identical twin of HB470, sponsored by Rep. Sheryl Allen, R-Bountiful, that passed its House committee hearing last week, after the first draft was substituted with the compromise document. The twins will track independently through their respective legislative houses and, upon meeting, one will presumably be extinguished.

The bills create a first offense felony penalty for torturing a dog or cat.

Gene Baierschmidt, director of the Utah Humane Society, testified at the hearing that his group is happy with the compromise agreement.

"I think this is actually a very good bill," Baierschmidt said. "We are very grateful" to Christensen for the legislation.

The Senate Health and Human Services standing committee passed SB297 out with unanimous approval. The bill now returns to the Senate floor for further action.